The Beautiful People

"Less git creasy" spoken in broken English/European Spanish accent.

Talent is something that can be cultivated, but only if you are born with a natural ability to recognize and produce it.  I don't believe everyone in the world is creatively gifted.  It's impossible.  If everyone sat around making art, well, I guess that wouldn't be so bad really.  But my point is there are some people who just can't be creative.  They can't color outside the lines and think outside the box.  They are trapped in their logical thinking and pursue a life better suited to mixing chemicals in a lab or....selling insurance.  And that's all fine and happy.  Whatever.  But not for me.  La vie boheme, man!  And I'm so very lucky to have talented people to share my life, my time with. I meet talented, life loving people from all over the world every single day. I'm so very fortunate.  And in the spirit of sharing, I thought I would introduce, direct, and encourage you to get to know some of my people.  They are, in a word, awesome. (And listed in no particular order)

Shelton or "J Shelly" one of my dearest friends and fellow lover of life.  She's an amazing photographer and her eye for beauty is perfect.  I enjoy going on shoots with her a playing assistant.  She comes up with ideas that are as lovely as they are scary.  She's not afraid to get down and dirty with what catches her eye. She also has a wicked sense of humor that can make you bend over laughing until you must walk away so that you don't choke from a lack of oxygen. I don't remember a time before Shelton - why bother? She's a tough as nails exterior with a heart as big as the moon. I love your face, shit head!

Mama Mia!  my very own giver of life, my mom Susie Clevenger  She writes every single day and is currently working on her first book.  It will go to print sometime this year and, of course you'll hear all about it from me. Yep!  I'm very proud of her. Proud of her willingness to commit and her ability to dream.  She puts it all out there for the world unashamed, unapologetic, and completely raw. Finally she is making her dreams become realities.  It's inspiring and humbling to see her exposing another side of herself, heart and soul, in her writing. Rock it, Mamala!

Saied  seriously. What can be said about Dustin Saied that can't be read in his eyes. He's charming, talented, beautiful and a hell-of-a good time. He's out in L.A. working, acting, living.  He's also a damn good artist exploring other sides of his creativity through paint.  This guy is freakin' great and I should also mention he's also a damn good friend. Always quick with a come back to put me in my place and make me laugh. I love the shit out of you, Saied!

Cynthia Dawn, my hero and big sister. This girl is made form 1 part sugar and 3 parts fire.  I don't know that I've never met another soul more willing to fight for life, love without reward, and live for truth and honor.  She's been through hell and fought her way back.  And through years of illness and life's helping of bullshit, she maintains and sense of humor that can only be described as brilliantly timed.  I'm so very proud of my sister.  Without her my life would have lacked beauty and laughter - two qualities I live for every single day.  I wish everyone had a Cynthia Dawn.  She's truly my best friend, confidant, number one fan, and all time hero. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours. Forever.

La Vita Bello indeed. Claudio is truly one of the most beautiful souls I have ever known. Ever. He has a childlike wonder of the world mixed with wisdom beyond his years.  There's no way this soul hasn't lived before now.  I'm so inspired by his optimism each and every day.  He is a gift and his pure heart is present on the stage every single time he dances. Sometimes I question how I've been so lucky to spend time with one so beautiful and so golden.  I do love you, amore. You are one of the brightest spots of my day! And, "byduhway" one of the most hilarious people I've ever met. Folks would never believe some of the things/people we've experienced together. Those memories are priceless.  Ti voglio bene tanto tano tanto!

The Original Taco Kickin' MacTuller Julie Marie Tuller. Born August 7, 1975 in Tulsa, OK. This woman makes my face hurt.  There is never a day spent with Tuller that doesn't end in roaring laughter.  And what's better - she doesn't even try.  Her humor is so natural, you'll find yourself on the floor in the fetal position while she's standing over you saying "What?  What happened?  What?"  She quilts, she writes, she sings, she runs, she turns shitty things people say into hand made craft projects, she cooks, she makes grown men cry,  she makes people laugh, and laugh, and laugh, and laugh.  She is a gift to the world and one of my best friends. I'm so lucky she's one of mine. And should you ever find yourself in an awkward situation, Tuller will arrive just in time to make things more awkward. I love you Julie Marie Tuller.  Thank god for you!!!!!

Lanie Mac since year 4!  Elaine's talent lies in healing. However, she's also one of the funniest women in the world. Growing up, I always knew she'd go into some kind of occupation that required her to be a know-it-all and caretaker.  Now she's an oncology nurse giving her patients attention and care with a smile, a genuine Texan accent, and pain relieving humor.  As kids we spent every single weekend together annoying the hell out of our families and getting into trouble everywhere we went.  I can't begin to imagine childhood without this girl and I truly believe that my humor was developed in part by Elaine.  God I love you.

So, there you go.  Some of my most favorite people in the world.  Just so happens they are incredibly talented too.  And I figured....they needed to be exposed for their creativity and raw awesomeness.  I love you mother fuckers.  To the moon and back.